Friday's Daily Pulse

What you need to know about Florida today

| 7/26/2013

Florida economic growth trails most states

Florida’s economy is growing, but at a slower rate than seen by most states, according to an index by the Federal Reserve Florida’s 1.9 percent growth puts it in the bottom tier of the other states and the District of Columbia, finishing 39th. The No. 1 slot went to Idaho, with a 4.4 percent growth rate. [Source: Miami Herald]

Retailers tout electronics in back-to-school tax holiday

Retailers expect an even bigger year from savvy discount shoppers as some high-tech gear has been added to the state's upcoming three-day break from sales taxes on back-to-school items. The Florida Retail Federation expects additional hiring by some businesses and says electronics companies have already started lowering the prices on laptops and tablets to fit under the $750 benchmark to be sales-tax free. More from the Fort Myers News-Press and CBS Miami.

While the industry hasn't returned to anywhere close to its peak of nearly a decade ago, signs of significant life abound. Companies like Yellowfin and Chris-Craft that survived the recession are going strong. Others, like Panga Marine, Hann Powerboats and Andros Boatworks, are smaller but no less active. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

School grades for Florida schools coming Friday

Florida's elementary and middle schools will be getting their A-to-F grades Friday when the Florida Department of Education releases its annual school report card. The release will come as the 15-year-old grading system faces increasing criticism, and many educators fear a sharp rise in the number of F-rated campuses this year. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Florida Blue wants restructuring

Changes could be on the way for one of the state’s largest employers and political donors. Florida Blue wants to restructure itself. However, the health insurance giant has its critics that warn the move could create a conflict between turning a profit and the obligation to provide low-cost insurance to four million policy holders. [Source: AP]

› UF Health to develop STEM learning disability program[Gainesville Business Report] The University of Florida has received an $846,000 National Science Foundation grant and plans to develop a program to assist students with learning disabilities to excel in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math — or STEM.

› Travel agents still key in vacation planning[South Florida Sun-Sentinel] Despite consumers' increasing use of the Internet as a go-to source for information, when it comes to planning and booking a vacation, travel agents remain a key part of the equation today, tourism officials say.